Evolution of a Monster / Redemption of a Hero
an excerpt

(WARNING: This excerpt has strong language. Somewhere around PG-13.)

Richard sighed. “So I can't run out of the Empire. Where, then? I've never been the woodsy hermit type.”
“Lord, not that,” Jacob said. “I'd never submit Cynthia to a harsh life. No, there's a place you and my daughter can be safe. The city of Meroc.”
“This is where?”
Jacob stared at him. “Do you know a single thing about this world?”
“I've been travelling a long time,” Richard said. “Probably drinking just as long. Names and places started to run together, and I stopped paying attention to where I was.”
“Yes, about that. Unless you can prove to me that you can show some restraint, this is the end. I won't send my daughter halfway across the Empire with an alcoholic for a guardian.”
“I'm not going to drink in front of her!”
“Not good enough. You can't drink, period.”
“That's-” Richard said. “Well, bloody hell, that's a lot less than marvelous.”
“She's five, Richard. What were you expecting?”

“I wasn't expecting a damn escort mission!” Richard scowled. “I wasn't expecting a little girl! Do you know how long I've been looking for something pure to fight for? Do you know how long it's been since I last did something I was proud of? With my track record, I'm going to Hell, goddamn it! I might as well spend the last of my life fighting for something worthwhile. But...not this. I wasn't looking for this.”

“This is worthwhile.”
“I can see that, thank you,” Richard said. “But why your daughter? Why can't you just take Cynthia and run to your safe place in Meroc, and Terrance and I will set our differences aside and kick Durant's ass?”
“Because this isn't about fighting, Richard! This is about exposing Durant for what he is – and what's more, exposing a fascist monarchy for what the corrupted trite that it is. This world needs change, and blood won't bring about the change I dream of. If you think killing and violence will resolve whatever guilt you're carrying...it's no wonder you're a drunken wreck.”

Richard sighed. “I'm not ready for this. I can't babysit a revolutionary's daughter, I can't run away and hide while you and Terrance do all the work, and I sure as hell can't quit drinking at the drop of a hat.”
“Then maybe we can't help each other,” Jacob said. “But if that's the case, I really do pity you.”
Richard frowned; “And why's that?”
“I'd pity you if you weren't the man I've been waiting for, Richard, because I know I'm exactly what you've been looking for. Maybe not Cynthia, but I am. The Good Lord has listened to your pleas for redemption, and the purest innocence you could ask for is asking for shelter. Protecting my daughter from Durant is the best good you're going to get.”

“I-” Richard shook his head and hid his face in his hands. He knew nothing about children. He was a hired killer; a retired, undefeated assassin. He was a drunk and a failure, a damned failure who couldn't even stare his own past in the eye without reaching for a bottle. “Why are you trusting me?”
“Cynthia trusted you last night. And-” Jacob paused. “I may have only known you for a day, Richard, but I believe you value my daughter's life more than your own. A man as guilt-ridden as you are won't think twice about giving his life to protect an innocent.”

“So you're asking me to take responsibility of your dearest treasure because I'm a self-loathing piece of shit?”
“If putting it that way makes you agree with me, yes,” Jacob said. “This isn't going to be easy, and you may curse my soul before you reach the end. But you can take Cynthia to Meroc, and she will be safe, and Terrance and I can finally do what we must. Only if you're willing.”

“You think I can pull this off?”
“Looking at you right now, I'd call myself a damn fool for believing you're capable of outsmarting a footman, let alone an empire. But you said yourself that you can't remember the last time you've done something you were proud of. You've been waiting for a challenge exactly like this one, and it's waiting for you.”

Richard took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. He needed this. If he said no now, the rest of his life would be a downward spiral of drinking, brawling, and eternal, damning failure. If he tried and failed...well, better attempted good than apathy and sloth. “You're telling me I'm tailor-made for this.”
Jacob nodded. “Pretty sketchy tailor, but yes, you're my only hope.”

“Fine.” Richard sighed. “Bloody Hell. I'll do it.”